Unit #37 / 413 - James A. Garfield National Historic Site

While much of the National Park Service encompasses vistas and wild nature, as President Obama said during a 2015 site dedication, "Part of what we’re preserving here is also history. It’s also understanding that places that look ordinary are nothing but extraordinary. The places you live are extraordinary, which means you can be extraordin...

Unit #36 / 413 - Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial
 

"If _______ wins this election, I'm moving to Canada!"

It's a threat that's made by any part of the political spectrum, during every election since I can remember.

But I wonder in what time period that phrase became socially acceptable? Surely at one point in history it would've been blasphemous, perhaps even treason, to present suc...

Unit #17 / 412 - Cuyahoga Valley National Park

"What can't you do here?" Andy asked as we crossed over a glade of grass filled with weddings, runners, dogs, bikers, and--after hiking a one mile loop that includes two ecosystems--caves and a scenic overlook.

...and we drove past a golf course inside the National Park on the way to this diverse Shangri-La.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, as was...

Unit #16 / 412 - First Ladies National Historic Site

Is it sad that when I heard the title of this national park, my initial thought was:

"I bet there will be lots of dresses."

The reason I felt guilt for such a thought likely has to do with my three older, incredibly feminist sisters who trained me well while growing up (you do not want to know what happened the first time I used the word "bitch" in...